Concrete is one of the toughest, most durable surfaces you can use inside your home. But just because it’s tough doesn’t mean it isn’t susceptible to staining, dust, and dirt buildup. To keep your indoor concrete surface looking its best, regular cleaning is a must.
Depending on the kind of dirt or staining your concrete may have, the specific cleaning method and product may vary. In general, cleaning indoor concrete surfaces may involve using dish soap, hot water, a mop, and a brush.
For light dirt or dust buildup, using a damp mop or cloth is usually enough. A combination of hot water and mild dish soap is also effective for removing excess dirt from your indoor concrete surface. For tougher stains, it may be necessary to scrub the area with a gentle scrub brush and some warm soapy water.
General Way To Clean Dirty Cement Flooring Surfaces
Cement flooring surfaces can often become dirty and stained from everyday use. While it can be a sore sight, the good news is that it can easily be cleaned with some simple steps.
Before you clean the surface, here are some general ways to pre-clean the entire surface.
Get Rid of Debris
Clean the area of all loose dirt and debris by sweeping or vacuuming it. This will help you get rid of any large particles that can make the cleaning process more difficult.
Dampen the Surface
Combine 1 gallon of hot water, a good squirt of dish soap (liquid), and half a cup of baking soda. Utilize the brush or broom for spreading it around and scrub dirty stains. Rinse them and let them dry for some time.
Use Oxygen Bleach for Tough Stains
Once dried, you may need to rewet the flooring and sprinkle oxygenated bleach for tough stains. Allow the area to soak for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with a damp mop or cloth.
Again, sweep or vacuum the surface to get rid of any remaining dirt and debris.
Dry Off The Surface
Once you’re done cleaning, it’s important to make sure that you dry off the surface completely. This will help prevent slipping and protect your floor from water damage. Drying the surface before and after each cleaning ensures that dust particles won’t stick to your newly-cleaned surface.
How to Remove Oil Stains from Your Concrete Surface
Oil spots leave black, dark stains on concrete surfaces that can be difficult to remove. We say it’s difficult, but it’s possible. Some of these oil stains may come from car engines, furniture oil, or grease.
To get rid of these stains, you will need a clumping clay-based cat litter, a hard-bristle brush, and some hot soapy water.
Start by sprinkling the clumping clay-based cat litter onto the oil stain and let it sit for about an hour. Then, using your hard-bristle brush, scrub away at the stain until it begins to break up.
Once the stain is broken up, use a cloth and some hot soapy water to wipe away the remaining oil. Rinse the surface with clean water and allow it to dry completely before using it again.
How to Remove Honey And Syrup Spots
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, honey and syrup spots can end up on your concrete surface. To get rid of these sticky messes, you will need some hot water, dish soap, white vinegar, and a scrub brush.
Start by mixing 1/4 cup of white vinegar with 1/2 cup of hot water in a bowl. Next, add 2 tablespoons of dish soap and stir to combine.
Then, apply the mixture onto the sticky spot and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing with your brush. Once you’ve scrubbed away the residue, rinse off the area with clean water and allow it to dry completely before using it again.
How to Get Rid Of Coffee Stains
As the coffee cools down, you will feel the change in its consistency and taste. Hence, a coffee stain also works the same. If you drop a coffee on your shirt, blot it up, turn the shirt around, and run cold water on it, the stain will slowly become lighter.
The same goes for your concrete surface too. Just spray the stain with cold water and blot it up to make sure it doesn’t dry out. Remember to blot and not scrub – this reduces the risk of the stain setting in.
How to Eliminate Mildew, Moss, Or Mold
Sweeping is not enough to get rid of cement, mold, or moss from other organic matter. These need to be eliminated efficiently and thoroughly.
For this, you will need a pressure washer or a cleaning solution made from one part bleach and four parts water. Apply the mixture onto the affected area and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing it away with your hard-bristle brush.
Your bleach works as a disinfectant and helps to get rid of any existing germs, while the pressure washer will wash away all the tough dirt and grime.
Additionally, you may also use 1/4 cup of oxygenated bleach with one-gallon hot water to remove stubborn mildew or mold stains on premix cement. Leave as it is for 15 to 30 minutes and rinse/dry the area.
How to Remove Paint Stains
Some paint stains are tough to remove and require a bit of extra effort. For these, you may need to use paint thinner or paint remover to get rid of the stubborn spots.
First and foremost, if the paint is still fresh, you can try to wipe it away with a cloth and some warm, soapy water. If that doesn’t work, then you may need to turn to paint thinner or remover.
Apply the mixture onto the stained area and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before using a hard-bristle brush to scrub away at the stain. Once the stain is removed, rinse the area with clean water, either with a hose or a pressure washer, allowing it to dry prior to use.
How to Remove Chocolate Stains
Chocolate has been a staple in almost every home. Because chocolate contains oils and other sticky substances, getting rid of the stains it leaves behind can be a challenge.
You’ll need a surfactant-based cleaner, a rag, and some hot water. Start by pouring the surfactant onto the chocolate stain and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. After that, use your rag to gently scrub away at the area. Follow up with a rinse of hot soapy water to remove any remaining residue. If there’s still a spot or two, follow it up with an enzymatic cleaner and cold water.
How to Remove Rust Spots
In some cases, rust can form on concrete surfaces. It can be either from metal furniture left outdoors or from an underground pipe. A phosphoric-acid-based rust remover will help to eliminate rust spots.
Start by preparing the mixture and apply it to the affected area. Make sure that you follow the instructions on the package and wear protective gear – gloves, glasses, etc.
After applying the mixture, let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing away at the area with your hard-bristle brush. Once you’ve removed all of the rust spots, rinse off the area with clean water and let it dry completely before
How to Eliminate Mud And Foliage Spots
It is pretty easy to sweep a light coating of dirt, but when soggy or mud stays on concrete surfaces, they leave behind brown stains. To remove such a spot, try to pour a cup of liquid dishwashing detergent into the spray bottle.
Add warm water and shake it well. Spray on the concrete stain with the soap mixture and leave it for ten minutes. Then scrub the surface with a nylon brush. Once you see the stain lifting, hose the affected space until the spot is removed.
How to Remove Pet Stains
Pet stains smell bad, along with their bad appearance. For cleaning up, you must follow some instructions:
- First of all, scrape off dried drops with a poop scooper or metal shovel. Prepare the cleaning mixture of a cup of liquid dishwashing solution, one gallon of water, and a half cup of baking soda.
- Now try to mix the solution deeply before pouring it over the affected stain area. Use a scrub brush for making the solution into the stain. Scrub it until the marks go away. Rinse it deeply.
How to Remove Grass Spots/Tomato Sauce/Ketchup
Grass spots are more challenging than your typical dirt stains. These spots are often caused by lawn equipment, such as a mower or weed eater. To remove them, you’ll need to use an oxalic acid-based cleaner.
Start by preparing the mixture according to package instructions and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for 10 minutes. The stain should start to lighten up before you scrub it away with a hard-bristle brush.
Tomato sauce and ketchup can leave behind stubborn spots on concrete surfaces, so you may need to take some extra measures. Start by mixing equal parts of white vinegar or lemon juice with water. Spray the mixture onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a hard-bristle brush to scrub away the stain and rinse with clean water.
Follow up with an enzymatic cleaner and cold water if needed. Let the area dry before use.
How to Eliminate Ink Stains
Ink is considered one of the toughest stains to remove, especially when it comes to concrete surfaces. To effectively remove an ink stain from concrete, you’ll need to use a strong oxidizing agent.
An oxidizing agent can be easily purchased from a local home improvement store. Most often, all you need is a few drops of the solution and some hot water. Start by pouring the oxidizing agent onto a cloth rag and dab it onto the stain. Depending on the severity of the ink stain, you may need to let it sit anywhere between 10 minutes to an hour before scrubbing it away.
Final Thoughts
It’s always challenging to keep indoor concrete surfaces clean. Depending on what caused the stain, you may need to try different methods before finding a result that you’re happy with. Some of the methods mentioned above may require you to use special products. Some, you may get away with common household items.
Always take the necessary precautionary measures when using any cleaning products – read all instructions, wear protective equipment, and open windows for ventilation.
